When you hike in through the backside like that, is there a place where you buy a ticket and/or are scanned for tickets?
When I was there, we went through the official entrance in Wadi Musa, with tickets and all (which I don't mind!). We went early to have the time to make quite a large tour around the whole area, and as far as I could tell it looked like the area was simply open for anyone to hike in or out freely, except through the front entrance. As I said, I don't have any problem with buying a ticket, I'm just wondering if my observations are correct.
I have not been there, but it is often like this, in touristic places.
As long as the main tourist entrances are taxed and enough money comes in this way, no one cares, if the back is open for the locals or occasional hikers/backpacker low on money.
Good question. I don't remember how the tickets worked. We were in a small group and our guide took care of it. Also, the rules might have changed a bit. I was there over 10 years ago.
When I was there, we went through the official entrance in Wadi Musa, with tickets and all (which I don't mind!). We went early to have the time to make quite a large tour around the whole area, and as far as I could tell it looked like the area was simply open for anyone to hike in or out freely, except through the front entrance. As I said, I don't have any problem with buying a ticket, I'm just wondering if my observations are correct.